Bat Appreciation Day

Bat Appreciation Day History

Bat Appreciation Day is dedicated to acknowledging the essential role that bats play in our ecosystems and raising awareness about their conservation. As the only flying mammals on the planet, they have intrigued humans for centuries and have important ecological roles. They help in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control, making them crucial for maintaining balance in our environment. However, these nocturnal creatures are often misunderstood and face increasing threats, such as habitat loss, climate change, and disease, leading to declining populations worldwide.

In Canada, bats hold a special cultural and ecological significance. Bats have been a part of Indigenous storytelling and mythology long before European settlement. There are 18 species of bats found in Canada, including endangered species like the Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, and Tri-colored Bat. Bat Appreciation Day aims to increase awareness about the conservation efforts needed to protect these species and their habitats. The Canadian federal Species at Risk Act, provincial conservation plans, and non-profit organizations work together to conserve bat populations and study their behavior, biology, and habitat requirements.

Bat Appreciation Day in Canada is an opportunity for Canadians to participate in educational events and campaigns organized by various institutions, such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation and local naturalist groups. The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society and the Toronto Wildlife Centre, for example, host workshops and presentations to educate people about bat ecology, species identification, and responsible stewardship. Canadians of all ages are encouraged to attend these events and become better informed about the importance of bats in our ecosystems. Bat Apprecation Day is celebrated on April 17 each year.

Top facts about Bat Appreciation Day

• According to healthwildlife.ca, bats provide us with many fruits including mango, avocado, banana, and papaya. They also pollinate blue agave flowers which are used to make tequila.
• Scientists have estimated that bats save the agriculture industry billions in pest control services every year.
• Bats are the only mammals naturally capable of flight.
• Some species of bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Bat Appreciation Day

Top things to do for Bat Appreciation Day in Canada

• Visit a bat sanctuary or wildlife centre near you.
• Participate in citizen science initiatives aimed at bat conservation, such as acoustic monitoring, roost surveillance, and bat counts.
• Take a trip to a location known for its bat population. One of the best places to see bats in Canada is in Manitoba, specifically at the Narcisse Snake Dens where a summer bat colony roosts.
• Watch some close-up footage of bats to celebrate Bat Appreciation Day.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about bats and their role in ecosystems. Here are our suggestions:
  The Truth about Bats (2020))
  Flying Fo Fairy Tale (2018)
  Secrets and Mysteries of Bats (2014)